Astell&Kern HC3 | Portable DAC and Amp

Experience True Hi-Fi on the go with Astell&Kern's HC3 Hi-Fi USB Dual-DAC and Amp

USB-C input and 3.5mm output with support for headset microphones
Dual ES9219MQ DAC from ESS
Full aluminum body w/ dual shielded, pure copper cable
Compatible w/ Android & iOS (USB-C to Lightning adapter included)
Supports Native DSD256, 32-bit/384kHz
Control volume via dedicated Android App
Roon Tested


Hi-Fi Sound Anywhere
Astell Kern presents the latest Hi-Fi USB DAC cable for a true Hi-Fi experience on the go. Designed to minimize noise with the ultra-high sound quality of integrated Hi-Fi grade DACs, it addresses the music lovers’ desire for a true mobile Hi-Fi experience. AK HC3 is designed to provide all of the benefits of its predecessors, HC1 & HC2, while enabling high-quality sound across various settings. AK HC3 features a microphone input which enables even more entertainment and voice features. The dual-shielded cable and the proprietary app will help users experience Hi-Fi effortlessly and without compromises.

Ultra-High Res with Dual HiFi DACs
AK HC3 adopts dual ESS SABRE HiFi® ES9219MQ DACs which are highly regarded by audiophiles for its Hi-Fi playback ability in ultra-high quality audio such as MQA. It features excellent noise control and low power consumption. Additionally, it supports Native DSD256 and 32 bit/384 kHz.
Noise-Free Rear Output Structure
The HC3 incorporates a rear audio output design to minimize noise. Most USB DAC products have the DAC positioned in the USB terminal that is connected directly to the device to process and output audio. With the HC3, digital signals from the device go through the dual shielded cable to the audio circuit before being converted to an analog signal by the DAC. By processing the digital signal after, the result is superior, noise-free sound compared to other USB DAC products.

Easy and Convenient - Plug & Play
Connect directly to a Windows PC, Mac, smartphone, or tablet with a USB-C port that supports plug & play, without the need for a separate conversion adapter. The AK HC3 retrieves power from the connected playback device so it does not need to be charged or be connected to a separate external sound card, AMP, or DAC. Just connect AK HC3 to experience high-fidelity sound from a computer or mobile device.
The AK HC3 is also compatible with iOS devices using the included USB-C to Lightning adapter.

HC3 Microphone and Controller Support
AK HC3 has been improved to be compatible with any 3 or 4-pole 3.5mm plug earphones and headsets, as well as in-line controller and microphone features of 4-pole earphones and headsets. Enjoy a greater range of entertainment experiences with your mobile device.
The direct USB connection provides lower latency compared to other wireless solutions, enabling an audio performance perfect for gaming. The voice chat features enhance your collaborative gaming experience, and the microphone input allows for professional web conferencing.
The rich sound capability of the HC3 adds to its utility by making your video experiences more realistic and immersive.
* When pairing your AK HC3 with iPhones, recording is supported for microphone input, but not supported for calls.

Specifications


Model: AK HC3, Dark Gray Aluminum material

DAC: Dual-DAC (x2) ES9219MQ

Sample Rate


PCM: Support up to 32bit/384kHz

DSD Native: DSD64 (1bit 2.8MHz) Stereo | DSD128 (1bit 5.6MHz) Stereo | DSD256 (1bit 11.2MHz) Stereo

Roon Ready and MQA support



Input: USB-C (for Windows 10, 11, macOS, iOS, Android, & Tablet PC)

Output: 3.5mm (CTIA standard 4-pole supported)

LED


Standby: White

PCM: Red

DSD: Blue

MQA: Magenta



Weight: 0.7 oz (20g)

Dimensions


USB Plug: 12.5mm x 21mm x 8.7mm

3.5mm Headphone: 18.2mm x 59mm x 11.5



Frequency Response: ±0.013dB (20Hz~20kHz) | ±0.020dB (20Hz~70kHz)

S/NR: 118dB @ 1kHz

Crosstalk: -130dB @ 1kHz

THD+N: 0.0005% @ 1kHz

IMD SMPTE: 0.0002%, 800Hz 10kHz (4:1)

Output Impedance: 2Ω

Output Power / Voltage: 2Vrms (No Load)
A&K HC3 Quick Start Guide
Astell&Kern 1 Year Manufacturer Warranty